There’s nothing quite like the spicy, tangy flavour of chutney. And this spicy apple chutney is no exception – it’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! This chutney can be just the delicious, spicy condiment you are looking for, especially as it can easily be tailored to your taste preferences.
This recipe is perfect for using up windfall apples, but you can use any type of apple you like.
Spicy apple chutney is a perfect way to add some zing to your favourite dishes, just making them a bit more special. A spicy apple chutney adds depth of flavour to any dish. Whether you’re looking to punch up a simple grilled cheese sandwich or give your roast chicken an extra boost, a few spoonfuls of this spicy chutney will do the trick.
It is also a great way to use up excess apples. If you have a bumper crop of apples from your backyard tree or you simply overbought apples, this is a delicious way to use them up and reduce the risk of them going to waste. Plus, there’s no need to be precise when chopping the apples – simply toss them in the pot and let the chutney get on with doing its thing.
Making your Chutney
Spicy apple chutney is a delicious condiment that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. Making your chutney at home is easy and only requires a few simple ingredients.
To make spicy apple chutney, you will need apples, sugar, vinegar, and spices such as ginger, garlic, and chilli pepper. You start by cooking the apples until they are soft. Then, add the sugar, vinegar, and spices and cook further until soft and thickened, and smells delicious.
Once in jars, the chutney needs to be left to mature – the flavours integrate and the sharpness of the vinegar softens to that pleasant tartness unique to good chutney. When ready to serve, simply spoon the chutney onto your dish of choice. Enjoy!
TIPS for making Apple Chutney
There are many different types of chutney, ranging from sweet to spicy and Everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a simple condiment to top your sandwich or something to liven up a bland dish, chutney is a great option. Here are five tips to help you make the perfect chutney:
1. Start with fresh ingredients: This will ensure that your chutney has the best flavour possible. Tidy up and cut out any dents and bruises on the apples especially if they are windfall fruits.
2. Add a variety of spices: Chutneys can be as spicy or as mild as you like. Experiment with different spice combinations to find one that you love.
3. Use fruit that is in season: Not only will this give your chutney the best flavour, but it will also save you money.
4. Cook the chutney slowly: This will allow all the ingredients to meld together, reduce the risk of scorching and create a more complex taste.
5. Always sterilise more jars than you think you will need.
6. Make sure you are using vinegar-proof (non-reactive) lids – these are generally coated on the underside to prevent the acid from the vinegar reacting and possibly corroding, with metal which will inevitably spoil the chutney.
7. Be patient: Making chutney takes time to mature, but it is worth it when you take that first bite of your homemade creation.
Personalise your Chutney to your Tastes
1. Use a different combination or amount of spices to change the flavour profile.
2. Use different types of apples for a variety of flavours.
3. Add in diced onion or shallots for sweetness and depth of flavour.
4. Cook the chutney down until it’s thick and jam-like for a more intense flavour profile.
5. Add some dried fruits (raisins, sultanas or dried apricots) or nuts for interesting texture and richness.
Ways to Use Apple Chutney
- Mix spicy apple chutney with mayonnaise or yoghurt to make a dipping sauce.
- Add spicy apple chutney to your next sandwich, burger or wrap.
- Use as a condiment for grilled meats or fish. Dilute with some water and use as a glaze for roast meats (delicious as a glaze on ham).
- Stir some chutney through your steamed vegetables, or add a spoonful to enhance the flavour of your next stew or casserole.
- Add to your next cheese board.
This homemade spicy apple chutney is the perfect way to use up all of those apples in your fruit bowl, windfall apples or offering from neighbours and family from their bountiful harvest. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also really easy to make and incredibly versatile – you can serve it with cheese and crackers, on a sandwich or even just eat it straight out of the jar!
It only takes a few ingredients and can be tailored to your taste by adding different spices for different incarnations of flavours each time you make it. Best of all, it’s economical so you can save money while putting something delicious on the table. This recipe has quickly become a firm favourite in my home, and I hope it will become one of yours too.
For more information see RESOURCES and RECIPES.
Spicy Apple Chutney Recipe
Equipment
- Chopping board and knife
- Large saucepan with lid/preserving pan
- Spoon to stir
- Ladle
- Jam Funnel
- Adhesive labels and pen
Ingredients
- 1 lb apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 red onion
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
- ¼ tsp chilli pepper (flakes or fresh) according to taste
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, slowly cook the apples and onion until they are soft.
- Add the sugar, vinegar, and spices and cook for another 5-10 minutes. It will thicken as it ready when a spoon drawn through the mixture leaves a clear trail that only slowly refills.
- Allow the chutney to cool before storing it in a jar. It will keep for up to two weeks.
- When ready to serve, spoon the chutney onto your dish of choice. Enjoy!
Notes
TIPS for making Apple Chutney
There are many different types of chutney, ranging from sweet to spicy and Everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a simple condiment to top your sandwich or something to liven up a bland dish, chutney is a great option. Here are five tips to help you make the perfect chutney: 1. Start with fresh ingredients: This will ensure that your chutney has the best flavour possible. Tidy up and cut out any dents and bruises on the apples especially if they are windfall fruits. 2. Add a variety of spices: Chutneys can be as spicy or as mild as you like. Experiment with different spice combinations to find one that you love. 3. Use fruit that is in season: Not only will this give your chutney the best flavour, but it will also save you money. 4. Cook the chutney slowly: This will allow all the ingredients to meld together, reduce the risk of scorching and create a more complex taste. 5. Always sterilise more jars than you think you will need. 6. Make sure you are using vinegar-proof (non-reactive) lids – these are generally coated on the underside to prevent the acid from the vinegar reacting and possibly corroding, with metal which will inevitably spoil the chutney. 7. Be patient: Making chutney takes time to mature, but it is worth it when you take that first bite of your homemade creation.Personalise your Chutney to your Tastes
1. Use a different combination or amount of spices to change the flavour profile. 2. Use different types of apples for a variety of flavours. 3. Add in diced onion or shallots for sweetness and depth of flavour. 4. Cook the chutney down until it’s thick and jam-like for a more intense flavour profile. 5. Add some dried fruits (raisins, sultanas or dried apricots) or nuts for interesting texture and richness.Ways to Use Apple Chutney
-
- Mix spicy apple chutney with mayonnaise or yoghurt to make a dipping sauce.
-
- Add spicy apple chutney to your next sandwich, burger or wrap.
-
- Use as a condiment for grilled meats or fish. Dilute with some water and use as a glaze for roast meats (delicious as a glaze on ham).
-
- Stir some chutney through your steamed vegetables, or add a spoonful to enhance the flavour of your next stew or casserole.
-
- Add to your next cheese board.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.
Personalise your Chutney to your Tastes
1. Use a different combination or amount of spices to change the flavour profile.
2. Use different types of apples for a variety of flavours.
3. Add in diced onion or shallots for sweetness and depth of flavour.
4. Cook the chutney down until it’s thick and jam-like for a more intense flavour profile.
5. Add some dried fruits (raisins, sultanas or dried apricots) or nuts for interesting texture and richness.
Ways to Use Apple Chutney
- Mix spicy apple chutney with mayonnaise or yoghurt to make a dipping sauce.
- Add spicy apple chutney to your next sandwich, burger or wrap.
- Use as a condiment for grilled meats or fish. Dilute with some water and use as a glaze for roast meats (delicious as a glaze on ham).
- Stir some chutney through your steamed vegetables, or add a spoonful to enhance the flavour of your next stew or casserole.
- Add to your next cheese board.
This homemade spicy apple chutney is the perfect way to use up all of those apples in your fruit bowl, windfall apples or offering from neighbours and family from their bountiful harvest. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also really easy to make and incredibly versatile – you can serve it with cheese and crackers, on a sandwich or even just eat it straight out of the jar!
It only takes a few ingredients and can be tailored to your taste by adding different spices for different incarnations of flavours each time you make it. Best of all, it’s economical so you can save money while putting something delicious on the table. This recipe has quickly become a firm favourite in my home, and I hope it will become one of yours too.